Turkish Airlines Breaks Record for World's Tallest Sandcastle

Why would an airline spend all that time building a sandcastle?

ByABC News
October 29, 2015, 4:16 PM
A cyclist rides past a sand castle built for a record attempt for the tallest sand castle, Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, on Virginia Key Beach in Miami.
A cyclist rides past a sand castle built for a record attempt for the tallest sand castle, Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, on Virginia Key Beach in Miami.
Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo

— -- Turkish Airlines announced this week that it had broken the Guinness Book of World Records for tallest sandcastle.

But why on earth would an airline spend two weeks building a sandcastle? Turns out the airline's really excited to be offering service to Miami.

PHOTO: Tourists pose for photos in front of a sand castle built for a record attempt for the tallest sand castle, Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, on Virginia Key Beach in Miami.
Tourists pose for photos in front of a sand castle built for a record attempt for the tallest sand castle, Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, on Virginia Key Beach in Miami.

The sandcastle stands 45 feet and 10.25 inches tall, breaking the previous record of 41 feet and 3.67 inches. It was built by The Sand Sculpture Company, which has created record-breaking castles in the past. Nineteen sculptors from around the world gathered to build the sandcastle.

PHOTO: A detail of the Statue of Liberty is carved into the side of a sand castle, built in a record attempt for the tallest sand castle, is Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, on Virginia Key Beach in Miami.
A detail of the Statue of Liberty is carved into the side of a sand castle, built in a record attempt for the tallest sand castle, is Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, on Virginia Key Beach in Miami.

Guinness was on hand to verify the record. "By the very nature of Guinness World Records we witness exciting achievements on a daily basis in front of iconic landmarks worldwide," said Philip Robertson, adjudicator of Guinness World Records, in a media release. "It’s rare that we find a superbly detailed sandcastle that replicates so many wonderful cities and achieves a Guinness World Records title. Officially amazing."

PHOTO: Guinness World Records Limited adjudicator Philip Robertson explains the criteria needed for a record attempt to build the tallest sand castle, Oct. 26, 2015, on Virginia Key Beach in Miami.
Guinness World Records Limited adjudicator Philip Robertson explains the criteria needed for a record attempt to build the tallest sand castle, Oct. 26, 2015, on Virginia Key Beach in Miami.

Turkish Airlines started service from Istanbul to Miami on Sunday.